HERBS: ROSEMARY
Trifolium pratense
Action: Alterative, vulnerary.
Systems Affected: Blood, skin.
Preparation and Dosage (thrice daily): Dried flowers, dose 0.5-4.0
grams by infusion.
Red Clover is of great importance as a forage crop in temperate zone
agriculture. The flowers are a deep red or rose-purple, but in some
cases appear paler and even white in colour. (White Clover, however,
is another species, Trifolium repens.)
The herb was known to the ancients but was not used medicinally
except occasionally as a vulnerary. Introduced to America, it soon
became naturalized and the American Indians found it useful
externally for sores and internally for skin disease. It then became
a part of American and European herbalism.
The strong metallic flavour of Red Clover results from its high
concentration of iron, copper and trace elements such as molybdenum.
It also contains various glycosides, flavonoids and a plant
oestrogen, coumestrol.
Red Clover functions as a blood tonic and 'blood cleanser' or
alterative: according to the Australian herbalist Dorothy Hall 'it
can improve the blood's hemoglobin levels and the quality of blood
platelets'. It is useful in treating anaemia and is specific for
chronic skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis, for which
purpose it is usually combined with Burdock, Yellow Dock and other
herbs.
The flowers are used externally for their vulnerary or healing
action, applied as a poultice, compress or ointment to ulcers,
burns, sores and skin complaints.
Cautionary Notes: Because of its high concentration of minerals and
other constituents, Red Clover should not be taken in very large
doses for indefinite periods of time. It is best used with other
herbs as part of a formula for treatment of a particular problem.
*46/66/5*
HERBAL
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